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Ever wondered why your cat follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom? Discover the reasons why your cat is clingy and how you can stop them following you around

Cats often have a reputation of being aloof and independent, happy to do their own thing without much thought for us humans. While this may be true of some cats, others can be more clingy with their owners. They follow us around the house and wind around our legs as we go about our day.

It’s more common for older cats to follow their owners around. Younger cats are often too busy exploring or playing to be interested in what we’re doing. If you notice your cat become a lot more clingy than usual, speak to your vet. They can make sure there isn’t a medical cause for this change in behaviour.

brown-and-white tabby cat walking towards the camera

Why does my cat follow me everywhere?

  1. They want your attention
    If your cat is following you around, particularly if you’ve just got home from being away for a while, they may want a bit of fuss and attention from you. Try giving them a stroke, a head rub or a chin tickle. Or spend some time playing with them with their favourite toys.
  2. They want food
    Another reason your cat may be following you is because they are hungry and want you to feed them. This is particularly likely just before their normal mealtimes, or at dawn or dusk when cats are usually most active. You may have also accidentally reinforced their tendency to follow you. For example, every time you go into the kitchen, you may give your cat some food. Your cat is likely to then associate you going to the kitchen with being fed and follow you every time.
  3. They want company
    Cats are often quite independent creatures. But if they have a strong bond with you, they may follow you around because they want to be near to you and see what you’re up to. Or maybe they’re waiting for you to sit down so they can jump on your lap for a snooze.
  4. They’re bored
    If your cat isn’t getting enough stimulation in their day, following you around may be a sign that they’re bored. For example they may not be getting the opportunity to hunt or play. Find out how to help a bored cat.

Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?

It’s a common scenario for many cat owners. You go to the bathroom to do your business in private, only to notice that your feline friend has snuck in with you. They are awkwardly staring at you while you go to the toilet. It might seem an odd behaviour but rather than being a fascination with your bodily functions, it’s more likely that your cat is curious about what’s inside the ‘mystery’ room that they are often locked out of. They have taken the opportunity to have a look around. They might be interested in water and want to drink from the tap. They might fancy having a snooze in the sink. They might want to climb up on shelves and bathtubs to explore. There’s plenty to provide interest in the bathroom! They could also be wanting a bit of attention from you. But maybe wait until you’ve washed your hands before you give them a fuss!

long-haired black cat sitting next to open door

How can I stop my cat following me around?

Providing other things for your cat to focus on may mean they don’t follow you around as much. Here are few things you can try...

Find more help and advice about cat behaviour.

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